Snore Guards, Apnea Devices, and Night Guards: What’s the Difference?
If you are trying to figure out what type of mouthguard you need at night, it can get confusing fast. There are night guards for teeth grinding, snore guards to help with snoring, and apnea mouthpieces for sleep apnea. While they might all look similar at a glance, they are designed for very different purposes and jaw behaviors.
In this guide, we will break down the key differences between snore guards, apnea devices, and night guards so you can decide which one fits your needs best. We will also explain how each one works, what symptoms they are meant to treat, and what to expect in terms of fit and comfort.
Why the Right Type of Guard Matters
The mouthguard you wear while you sleep should be tailored to the problem you are trying to solve. Wearing the wrong kind can not only be uncomfortable—it might make your symptoms worse.
Each type of guard supports your jaw differently:
- Snore guards focus on airflow and jaw positioning to reduce snoring.
- Apnea devices aim to treat a medical condition, often moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
- Night guards are designed to protect your teeth and jaw from damage caused by grinding or clenching (bruxism).
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is an oral appliance that cushions your teeth and jaw during sleep. It is usually prescribed to people who grind or clench their teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism.
What Night Guards Do:
- Act as a barrier between upper and lower teeth.
- Absorb pressure from jaw clenching.
- Prevent enamel wear and tooth fractures.
- Help reduce tension in jaw muscles.
- May relieve TMJ-related symptoms in some cases.
Common Materials:
Night guards come in soft, hybrid, and hard materials. Custom night guards are typically made from durable acrylic, while over-the-counter options may be made of a softer plastic.
Who Needs a Night Guard?
You may benefit from a night guard if you:
- Wake up with jaw pain or headaches.
- Notice flat, chipped, or sensitive teeth.
- Have a history of bruxism.
- Are dealing with tension-related TMJ symptoms.
A night guard does not affect how you breathe. It is meant only to protect your teeth and reduce strain on the jaw joint. It does not help with snoring or sleep apnea.
Also Read These Articles:
- Night Guard For TMJ And Jaw Tension
- Dentist Night Guards For Snoring
- Snore Guard Fit And Adjustment
- Jaw Behavior Differences
- Night Guard FAQ’s
What Is a Snore Guard?
A snore guard is a special type of mouthpiece that helps reduce snoring by changing the position of your jaw or tongue.
Snoring often happens when the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep. This can occur when the jaw relaxes and falls back, narrowing the upper airway. A snore guard gently moves your lower jaw (or sometimes your tongue) forward, which keeps the airway open.
How Snore Guards Work:
- Reposition the lower jaw forward (Mandibular Advancement Device).
- Some target the tongue position (Tongue Stabilizing Device).
- Aim to reduce tissue vibration in the throat.
- May also help with mild obstructive sleep apnea, but not a guaranteed treatment.
Who Needs a Snore Guard?
A snore guard may be right for you if:
- You snore loudly and often.
- You do not have diagnosed sleep apnea.
- You have mild airway obstruction when sleeping on your back.
- You are looking for a non-prescription option before trying a CPAP machine or apnea device.
Fit and Comfort:
Most snore guards need to be custom-fitted to be effective. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite versions exist, but results vary. Snore guards typically feel bulkier than night guards, since they alter your jaw position.
What Is a Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece?
A sleep apnea device (also called an oral appliance therapy device or mandibular advancement device for apnea) is prescribed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Unlike snoring, which is just a noise issue, sleep apnea can be dangerous. It leads to oxygen drops, poor sleep quality, and long-term health issues if left untreated.
Key Differences From Snore Guards:
- Designed to meet medical criteria for sleep apnea treatment.
- Prescribed by a doctor or sleep specialist.
- Often custom-made to your jaw and airway shape.
- May require adjustment and follow-up for effectiveness.
How Apnea Devices Work:
Like snore guards, they move the lower jaw forward—but with more precision and durability. This forward positioning helps keep the airway open throughout the night. Apnea mouthpieces are FDA-approved for managing mild to moderate OSA in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
Who Needs an Apnea Device?
You may need an apnea device if:
- You have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (mild to moderate).
- You cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.
- You are under a doctor’s care and need a prescription treatment.
- You snore and experience pauses in breathing during sleep.
Comfort and Adjustment:
These devices often come with titration settings, which allow small changes in how far your jaw is advanced. This customization improves comfort and results. However, they can take longer to get used to than standard snore guards.
Snore Guard vs Night Guard: Key Differences
| Feature | Snore Guard | Night Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Reduce snoring | Protect teeth from grinding/clenching |
| Jaw Position | Repositions lower jaw forward | Maintains natural jaw position |
| Airway Impact | Opens airway to reduce snoring | No effect on breathing |
| Fit | Often custom; sometimes boil-and-bite | Soft, hard, or hybrid; custom or over-the-counter |
| Used For | Snoring and mild airway obstruction | Bruxism, TMJ symptoms, jaw tension |
| Prescription Needed? | Sometimes (especially if apnea-related) | Not required, but dentist-recommended for custom fits |
| Comfort Level | May feel more bulky | Generally thinner and more passive |
Snore Guard vs Apnea Device: Key Differences
| Feature | Snore Guard | Apnea Device |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Reduce snoring | Treat obstructive sleep apnea |
| Medical Device? | Often not | Yes, requires prescription |
| Customization | May be over-the-counter or custom | Always custom-fitted |
| Airway Support | Mild improvement | Medical-grade repositioning for full airway patency |
| Monitoring | Not monitored | Often requires follow-up with sleep specialist |
| Effectiveness | For simple snoring only | For diagnosed sleep apnea with snoring, gasping, and apnea episodes |
Choosing the Right Guard for Your Needs
The type of guard you choose should depend on your symptoms, sleep behavior, and any diagnoses from your doctor or dentist. Here’s a simple way to narrow it down:
Choose a night guard if:
- You grind or clench your teeth at night.
- You have frequent jaw soreness or headaches in the morning.
- Your teeth are worn down or fractured.
- Your dentist recommends one for bruxism or TMJ symptoms.
Choose a snore guard if:
- Your main issue is loud snoring.
- You do not have diagnosed sleep apnea.
- You want to try a non-medical option first.
Choose a sleep apnea device if:
- You have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
- You cannot or do not want to use a CPAP machine.
- Your doctor recommends a mouthpiece as part of your treatment plan.
Can You Use a Night Guard for Snoring?
No. While it may seem like any mouthguard would help, a night guard for bruxism will not help with snoring. In fact, it may make snoring worse in some people by allowing the lower jaw to fall backward and further narrow the airway.
If your main issue is snoring, it is best to look specifically for a snore guard or ask your doctor whether a sleep apnea device might be a better fit.
Talk to a Professional First
If you are unsure what type of guard you need, the safest option is to speak with your dentist or a sleep medicine provider. A dentist can spot the signs of grinding and make a custom guard. A sleep study can determine whether snoring is part of a more serious problem like sleep apnea.
Choosing the right mouthguard can have a big impact on your health, comfort, and sleep quality. Wearing the wrong one can lead to frustration, wasted money, or even worsening symptoms.
Final Thoughts
While they may all fit in your mouth, snore guards, night guards, and apnea devices are not interchangeable. Each serves a distinct purpose, and using the right one for your needs can make a world of difference.
If you grind your teeth, protect them with a custom night guard.
If you snore but do not have apnea, try a snore guard.
If you have sleep apnea, use a prescribed apnea mouthpiece under your doctor’s supervision.
Want help figuring out what type of guard fits you best? Take our Best Night Guard Quiz or download our Free Night Guard Checklist to learn more. Your jaw—and your sleep—deserve it.